I wish I’d had this book in 1993. Or 2003. Especially in 2011. These are the years that carried heartache and heartbreak for me. Loss that was almost too much to bear. 

Try as I might, I struggled to process all that was happening. And pray? Well, no. I had no words. Only rivers of tears and oceans of grief. 

So, yeah. I wish my friend Carmen’s book would have been in my hands all those years ago. In 1993 my husband walked out on our eleven year marriage. In 2003, my Daddy passed away. And in July of 2011, my Mom lost her battle with the stroke that had paralyzed her two months prior.

 Oddly, the grief over my Mama’s loss almost undid me. A girl needs her Mama. Oddly, I was strongest in the Lord, and deepest in His word in 2011. I would have thought I could process her death better, celebrate her life and home going with great joy, and stand on the promise of eternity that I know to be true. But no. The waves of grief washed over me, sucking me under, threatening to drown me in my sorrow. 

I tried to pray. I couldn’t. What could I say? I just wanted my Mama back. I wasn’t ready to not have her anymore. I didn’t want to wait until I got to heaven to see her again. Processing my feelings and emotions – well, I just couldn’t.

Yep, I needed this book back then. And today. Maybe you do too?

The lump in my throat began to form when I was reading the introduction. It continued to grow, the more I read. One reader described Carmen’s writing as tender. Yes, Tender, with a capital T. So much so, that you almost can’t take it. You know, like when you’re really hurting, and someone is nice to you, and it makes you wail. I told several people after my mom’s death “Please don’t be nice to me, I’ll start crying.” That’s how tender this book is.

“I’m convinced the prayers God understands most clearly are the tears streaming down our cheeks. Our tears speak volumes, my friend. They are so precious to Him that He collects every one.” Out of Words – 31 Prayers of Hope for Your Hurting Heart, introduction.

 

In her book, Out of Words – 31 Prayers of Hope for Your Hurting Heart, Carmen Horne offers so much more than thirty-one prayers. Each prayer includes the following:

• Scripture based devotion
• Prayer invitation 
• Space to journal and process your pain
• “When your words return” section that includes a question and gratitude prompt
• Scripture affirmation
• Hope-filled declaration

Carmen doesn’t leave you to walk blindly through your pain. She guides you through it, helping you process what’s in your heart. Rooted in Scripture and drawing from her own experiences with a shattered heart, Carmen offers Holy Spirit inspired insight to help you rediscover the words you need – words to ask God to care for and heal your broken heart.

Carmen assures us that God can handle our sadness, even when we can’t!

“Most of us don’t do emotions well. If we can’t fix it, we want to walk away from it. Oh, that we could learn the art of a quiet presence.  There is someone who can always handle our sadness. God does not flinch at the sight of our tears. He continues to reach out to us when we try to hide. He not only brings peace, He is Peace — Jehovah Shalom.” Out of Words – 31 Prayers of Hope for Your Hurting Heart, devotion #2

If you are hurting, or shattered or broken in any way (aren’t we all?), you will want to buy this book. 

And now, I must give you this disclaimer: Carmen is a dear, dear friend of mine. HOWEVER, I am not recommending her book because of that. I’m telling you to buy it, because Carmen has walked beside me through thick and thin. She’s offered prayers on my behalf; she’s shared her experiences of brokenness to guide me; and she’s loved and encouraged me. She does the same for the readers of this book! Buy an extra copy, and give it to someone who is out of words.

Find out more at outofwordsbook.com

Grace be with you,